Jimi Hendrix Park Celebrates Grand Opening June 17

Following years of planning, fundraising and development, Seattle's Jimi Hendrix Park is finally ready for its official debut.

The park, located adjacent to the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle's Central District at 2400 S. Massachusetts St., will be unveiled to the public from noon to 5PM on June 17, during which time visitors are encouraged to "spend the day immersed in art and music" across its two-to-five-acre expanse. Scheduled events include performances from School of Rock, Henry Cooper, Peace & Red Velvet, the Hollers, Grace Love, Ayron Jones and Youth Speaks poets Carlynn Newhouse and Azura Tyabji.

Recently completed construction at the park includes a central shelter described as "a soaring sculpture reminiscent of butterfly wings" as well as a sculpture dubbed a "shadow wave wall." A walkway laid out toward the park's central plaza doubles as a timeline of Hendrix's life, with lyrics from his songs "Little Wing" and "Angel" etched into a purple ribbon pictured along the way, and natural attractions include four rain gardens and a butterfly garden.

Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by public officials as well as Hendrix's sister Janie; in addition to the performances and regular park attractions, attendees will be able to participate in a chalk art contest and visit a "petting zoo" of musical instruments.

The second phase of development at the park has been ongoing since it opened last October, with fundraising spearheaded by the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation in order to create "a welcoming and inspiring community gathering space, as well as a place for fans of Jimi’s music to celebrate his indelible contributions to the music world." For more information about the park, visit its official site.